Landry In A Breeze
Proving that his 2022 Jim Jackson Invitational triumph was no accident, Jason Landry (Greenbriar Hills Country Club) breezed to the title in the 39th version of the annual event on Sunday, Oct. 13 at Algonquin Golf Club in Webster Groves. The only competitor under par for the tournament, Landry posted a 2-under 136 besting his 2022 performance by a stroke. The 34-player field was comprised of St. Louis District Golf Association (STLDGA) members who qualified in district events throughout the year, and the club champion from each member club in the two-day, 36 hole stroke-play event.
Landry, who now resides in Kirkwood, was outspoken about his love for Algonquin Golf Club, “It demands that you hit fairways off the tee. The greens are very small and very difficult to read. We always get very blustery conditions and coming from Texas, my lower ball flight kind of helps me sometimes.”
Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Landry struck a sentimental note, “ “I was actually born on the founding date of this golf course. Every single time I tee off on the first tee, I always tap the plaque, because it says June 25th on it, so it gives me a little bit of relatability and good luck whenever I tee off, and gives me some good vibes.
Under unseasonably warm conditions through Saturday’s first round, Landry fashioned a 4-under par 65 and led Sean Brennan (Westborough Country Club) by a stroke. When Landry bogeyed the first hole on Sunday and Brennan birdied, suddenly Brennan had the lead, but only briefly. Landry recorded two birdies and four pars over the next six holes to go five under and take total command. Meanwhile, Brennan faltered badly and quickly fell off the pace, eventually finishing at +13.
While many struggled with the 20-25 mph wind gusts on a brilliantly sunny Sunday afternoon, Landry again pointed to his foundational golf background as an asset, “Because of growing up in Texas with the windy conditions, that whenever it gets a little out of hand like today, I have a little advantage, because I’m used to playing in those conditions. I don’t let it bother me all that much. I just try to hit as many fairways and greens as I can, and let my putter do the work from there.”
Former Jackson champ Chad Niezing (Meadowbrook Country Club) looked as if he might make a run with a birdie on Hole 12 to sit at 1-over, and when Landry bogeyed No. 13, suddenly Niezing was within four strokes. The rally fizzled when Niezing bogeyed No. 16 and had a double-bogey on Hole 18 as he finished fourth at +4 (142).
Jimmy Siegfried (Norwood Hills Country Club) and Ryan McNeil (Persimmon Woods Golf Club) tied for second at +3 (141).
Although not seriously challenged during the final round, Landry readily admits to being a scoreboard watcher, “That’s not characteristic of many players, but I do like to know where I stand and challenge myself to see how I can maintain what I’ve got or maybe get a little better as the day wears on, just keep watch over everybody and what they’re doing.”
A Stephen F. Austin University alumnus, Landry was thankful for the efforts of the Algonquin Golf Club and STLDGA staffs in hosting the tournament. The Director Of Golf Brett Moomey is great, the superintendent has always done a great job here, and STLDGA Director of Competition Todd Burchyett, Todd’s “pin” locations are crazy at times, but I like the challenge. It’s fantastic, and I just love it to death. I look forward to it every year.”
A Missouri Sports Hall of Fame member, Jim Jackson was one of the most beloved golfers ever to roam St. Louis golf courses.
Algonquin Golf Club was founded in the Webster Park neighborhood of Webster Groves in 1899, and is one of the St. Louis area’s oldest private country clubs.
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